Should You Buy A 4runner Or Tacoma? Owners Opinion After 3 Years 

I've had a 3rd gen Tacoma since it was brand new in 2016 and hands down it has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's been flawless, dependable, and incredibly practical for the things I need it to do. I have always wanted a V8 4runner and am currently trying to get my hands on one. In short - the correct answer is of course both.

I have a 2020 trd pro Tacoma and a 2021 trd off-road premium 4runner. I think I have the holy grail. Oh, and both titles are in my safe.🎉

Thanks for watching!!

I had an 08 4Runner almost exactly like the one in the video and I swapped to the 13 Tacoma because I do have a lot of home and work projects. But I miss the look of the 4Runner and back window

​@@KG-qw4fvoutside of that, any other things you miss? I have a 07 4runner, and looking at a 2012-2015 double cab Tacoma.

Talking about the difference in manufacturing, I bought my wife 2019 Rav4 Adventure model made in Canada, in my opinion a tin can. She had 2007 4runner., 100,000 miles,4liter 2wd which I inherited and got the better deal. My 4runner is solid, just put shocks and new tire, it's good to go for another 150,000 miles or more. I also have 2003 Tacoma which has 290,000 miles, used for eleven years as a rural mail vehicle, no leaks of any kind , use as my project and lumber hauler. All, except for Rav4 was made in Japan...I learned my lesson the hard way. 1. Always buy Japanese made Toyota and 2. Never buy the Newer generation, the first year of production of any Toyota vehicle.

I appreciate that a lot! And don't worry, I gave myself crap about the raptor lights too. All in good fun

Glad you found it all helpful!

Thanks for watching!

Glad to have you aboard!!

@@CanadianGearhead Thank you! : )

Thanks for watching!!

Thanks for watching!!

It really is impressive how well built these 4runners are. I always wondered why people loved them so much and when I got mine, it made sense!

Yes, I did the same thing and now a believer based on experience. There are two major things however that I would suggest. One is to change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles with a good synthetic and two is to change the transmission oil every 30,000 miles with Toyota brand oil. I also do the other fluids every 30,000. @@CanadianGearhead

Have an 03. Same story. The Japanese were obsessed with build quality in this era.

I appreciate the kind words!

I will definitely consider that, thanks for the feedback!!

I was the same way too when I had to find a vehicle to replace the car I owned before that I crashed, found a 97 4cyl Ford ranger didn't think much of it till I got into looking at Tacomas, found one in NC a 2012 TRD sport 4x4 double cab in manual and then I really became a truck guy, now I'm taco everything 😂👍🏽

Thanks dood!

I'll keep that in mind for next time

I love them! Sometimes I forget they aren't car tires since they're so smooth and quiet

They're pretty darn nimble!

One thing to consider (and I could be wrong) but I think the 09 Trail Edition might have been V6-only

That's crazy!

Yes I factored in the percentage

I test drove a GX before buying my 4runner and really liked it - it came down to the hatch vs barn door for me

Yup I've dealt with it a few times, it sounds like the 5th gen ones are a worthwhile upgrade

There seems to have been an issue with the design of the from calipers, I had to replace mine and luckily, it was under warranty. The service manager "hinted" that there was a few of us that had to replace them.

I think the V8 is a big part of why I love the 4runner so much, the V6 just isn't as exciting

Very interesting!

@@CanadianGearhead better yet, the reason for drum brakes was lower cost due to the 4runner being produced in Japan while the Tacoma was built in the u.s or Mexico. Toyota themselves said it gave a better hold for the e brake with the larger shared surface and handled sand better where the main markets for sale are Florida and California. The 8 inch rear differential can be replaced by the later model 8.2 complete rear housing with very little effort but at similar cost to adding a rear locker and re gearing. Alternatively diamond makes a 9.5" Landcruiser housing to fix the breakage that happens that uses all the factory axles and parts from the 4runner to bolt right in. I run this rear axle in my 2015 Tacoma with gussets and an ARB locker. Full float conversion coming soon. I'm nearby in British Columbia, testing the waters to try and make a standalone work with the 4.6 tundra motor and 6 speed a760f or 8 speed 8hp75 depending on the build stage

It's from Idoing

Both are available with the same 4.0 V6

I agree with that 100%

MR2!

I totally agree, I wonder how it would have affected Tundra sales though

@@CanadianGearhead It may or may have not. Remember dodge had a Dakota v8 up until 2011. The only thing that stopped the Dakota was the decline in mid size popularity. I personally don’t think the Dakota was aesthetically pleasing as others lol

If I get rid of the Tacoma it would be for a Tundra

@@CanadianGearhead that’s a good choice too.